HNC/HND Early Childhood Education and Care (Education Pathway)
Key Facts
Level: 4 & 5
Attendance: Full-time (Only one day in college, 2 days in placement)
Duration: Two years
Location: HLC Hereford Campus
Course Intro
The aim of the Higher Nationals in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the early education and care sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. It offers an in-depth introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of specific knowledge, skills and experience thorough the education specialist pathway.
When successfully completed, the Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Early Childhood Education and Care in England, along with the assessed practice in work placement requirements across units, enables students without full and relevant EYE criteria to meet these requirements and be counted in qualified staff ratios at Level 3.
The qualification provides underpinning knowledge as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possible study and achievement of Level 6 in due course.
Course Content
Students will learn through a series of lectures, practical sessions, workshops, seminars and tutorials. They will also be required to undertake substantial independent study.
Year 1:
Students will study 8 mandatory units :
- Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice
- Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments
- Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood
- Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Babies and Toddlers)
- Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Young Children)
- Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living
- Unit 7: Preparing for Research
- Unit 8: Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments
Year 2
Students will study 4 mandatory units
- Unit 9 Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners
- Unit 10 Improving Quality in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments.
- Unit 14 Impact of Curriculum on Early Childhood Education and Care
- Unit 29 Innovative Approaches to Children's Play and Learning in Practice
Plus 2 additional units:
- Unit 23 Managing and Leading People in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments
- Unit 27 Outdoor Play and Learning
Assessment
Students will be required to complete coursework as they progress through the programme and undertake assessments at the end of each semester. The assessment of Pearson Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and we are required to assess learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement. Students must complete and pass all taught units over the 2 year programme in order to achieve the full HND qualification.
Assessment methods include practice-based observations and written assessments including reports, analytical essays, logs, presentations and seminars. All students will also complete a Practical and Reflective Evidence Portfolio (PREP) to reflect placement experience.
Entry Requirements
The College considers all applications on an individual basis which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience.
Four GCSEs at grade C or above including GCSE English Language at C or above (or recognised equivalency). Evidence of Level 2 Literacy is required, for example Key Skills Level 2 or GCSE English Language at C or above or equivalent. If you do not have evidence of Literacy at Level 2, it will be necessary to complete a non-standard entry essay to demonstrate competence in written English. Maths GCSE at grade C or above (or recognised equivalency) is desirable.
A minimum of one A Level or a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three or above A Levels, for example the CACHE Diploma or EdExcel BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. The current UCAS tariff requirements for entry are 32 UCAS points.
In addition to this, practitioners who do not hold the qualifications outlined above will be considered on the basis of prior professional experience and related learning.
The following are required for both standard and nonstandard entry:
A statement of support from your current employer to provide the time, opportunity and support for work-based requirements and release to attend university-based study.
A testimony from an appropriately qualified referee.
Evidence of current police check (DBS) clearance to work with young children.
Progression
The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Early Childhood Education and Care degree programmes in subject specialisms such as:
• BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies
• BA (Hons) in Early Education and Care
• BA/BSc (Hons) in Child Psychology • BA (Hons) in Child and Family Studies
• BA/BSc (Hons) Child Health and Wellbeing
• BA (Hons) in Child and Youth Studies
• BA (Hons) in Primary Education
The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the early education and care sector. For example:
Advanced Practitioner in nursery and pre-school settings,
Advanced Practitioner in nursery and pre-school settings, Trainee Teacher/Classroom Assistant
Manager/Deputy Manager in nursery and pre-school settings, Nursery Owner, Childminder, other leadership and management roles in a range of early childhood environments
Social and community care support roles in statutory and other community-based early education and care and children and young people’s residential care settings, Family Support Worker, Early Years Intervention Support Worker
Course Fees
£5,950 per year. All fees are subject to change;
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this course. A DBS will cost £40 plus a yearly update service of £13 per year.
Any transport costs for work placements would need to be met by students.
Contact
Telephone: 0800 032 1986
Email: admissions@hlcollege.ac.uk